Folding knockdown table



Feb. 26, 1957 N. T. B. HELGELAND ,783,

FOLDING KNOCKDOWN TABLE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 8, 1954 IINVENTOR.

Neil Z'B Helge/and BY mm:

United States Patent 2,783,110 FOLDING KNOCKDOWN TABLE Neil T. B. Helgeland, Richland, Wash. Application October 8, 1954, Serial No. 461,207 1 Claim. (Cl. 311-79) This invention relates to the class of furniture and more particularly to a novel folding table.

The folding table comprising the present invention is especially adapted for use as a ping pong table or the like and is constructed so as to provide a secure support for the table top sections forming the ping pong table while being readily collapsible for storage in a small space when not in use.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a folding table having a sectional top which is suitably supported at the abutting edges of the table top sections in a manner which holds the sections secured in abutting relationship.

A further feature of the invention resides in the means utilized in holding the leg assembly in alignment which is unusual inasmuch as the leg rails are positioned remote from the table top.

Still further objects and features of this invention reside in the provision of a folding table that is strong and durable, simple in construction and manufacture, which can be readily utilized for various purposes, which is inexpensive to manufacture, and which is easy to erect and collapse.

These, together with the various ancillary objects and features of the invention which will become apparent as the following description proceeds, are attained by this folding table, a preferred embodiment of which has been illustrated in the accompanying drawings, by way of example only wherein:

Figure l is a perspective view of the folding table comprising the present invention;

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view as taken along the plane of line 22 in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the folding table;

Figure 4 is an enlarged sectional view as taken along the plane of'line 4-4 in Figure 2; and

Figure 5 is an elevational view of one of the table top sections.

With continuing reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals designate similar parts throughout the various views, reference numeral generally designates the folding table comprising the present invention which is adapted to be utilized for such purposes as a ping pong table and the like. The folding table 10 includes a pair of table top sections 12 and 14 which may be provided with flanges 16 and 18 which ex- .tend about the periphery of the table top 12 except at the abutting edges 20 and 22 thereof.

The table top sections 12 and 14 have sockets 24 and 26, 28 and 30 secured thereto by means of screws or other fasteners 32 which extend throughthe flanges 34 integrally formed with the cylindrical portions 36 of the sockets.

Also secured to the table tops 12 and 14 and depending therefrom at the edges 20 and 22 are spaced split studs 38, 40, and 42, 44 which are integrally formed with the semi-cylindrical flanges 46, 48, 50 and 52. Screws or other fasteners are utilized to secure the split studs to the table tops 12 and 14 and extend through the flanges 46, 48, 50 and 52.

The split studs 38, 40, 42 and 44 are so arranged at the edges 20, 2.2 of the table tops 12 and 14 that they abut against each other and are adapted to fit within couplings 54 and 56 attached to a central U-shaped member 58 forming a portion of leg assembly. The couplings 2,783,! 10 latented Feb. 26, 1957 ICC 54 and 56 thus hold the various split studs lockingly in abutting relationship and hold the table top sections 12 and 14 in abutting relationship. Further, the U-shaped member 58 forms a support for the central part of the table 10.

A solid tabletop may be utilized in lieu of the sectional table top and likewise jointed leg rails may also be utilized instead of the hereafter described leg assembly.

The leg assembly further includes outer U-shaped members 60 and 62 which have upwardly extending leg portions 64, 66 and 68, 70, respectively which are adapted to fit in the sockets 24, 26 and 28, 30. The U-shaped members 60 and 62 therefore form the vertical supports for the ends of the tables 10.

Interconnecting'the outer U-shaped members 60 and 62 with the central U-shaped members 58 are spaced leg rails 72 and 74 which are pivotally attached to the outer U-shaped members 60 and 62 and to the central U-shaped member 58. In order to provide a rigid connection between the leg rails 72 and 74 and the outer U-shaped members 60 and 62 there are provided sectional leg braces 76, 78, and 82 which are pivotally attached to the outer U-shaped members 60 and 62 and to the leg rails 72 and 74. The braces are of the construction as can be best seen in Figure 2 and include latch means 84 for holding the braces rigid.

The U-shaped members 58, 60 and 62 have upper central portions, as at 84, 86, 88 which enable the U- shaped members 58, 60 and 62 to form satisfactory legs for the table 10. As can be seen best in Figure 5, the split studs are spaced inwardly from the sockets so that the leg rails 72 and 74 when pivotally connected to the various U-shaped members as can be seen in Figure 4 are held by means of pins 90 which extend through the U-shaped members and through spaces 92 as well as through the leg rails.

From the foregoing, the construction and operation of the device will be readily understood andfurther explanation is believed to be unnecessary. However, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling Within the scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

A portable knockdown table comprising a pair of table top sections arranged in abutting relationship, said sections each having a pair of spaced split studs depending therefrom with each split stud of one of said sections abutting a split stud of the other of said sections, and a U-shaped leg assembly, said leg assembly including terminal couplings receiving the abutting split studs therein for supporting and holding said sections together and detachable therefrom, said leg assembly having upper ends received in said couplings, each of said split studs being of semicylindrical shape, said couplings being tubular in construction.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

